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This revised chapter on NCERT Class 11 Geography India Physical Environment Chapter 1: India – Location Notes provides a clear overview of India’s geographical position, extent, and its significance. These notes simplify complex concepts into easy-to-understand pointers. It is basically designed for exam preparation and quick revision of India’s location, size, and political boundaries. You can also download a free PDF for effective exam preparation.
Contents
Explore Notes of Class 11 India Physical Environment
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Introduction
India is a vast country lying entirely in the Northern hemisphere. The mainland extends between latitudes 8°4’N and 37°6’N and longitudes 68°7’E and 97°25’E. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N) divides the country into almost two equal parts. To the southeast and southwest of the mainland lie the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Lakshadweep islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, respectively.
Location and Space Relations
India’s location in Asia places it in the south-central part, with the Indian Ocean to the south, the Arabian Sea to the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast. The latitudinal extent from north to south is about 30 degrees, but the north-south distance is 3,214 km, while east-west is 2,933 km. This difference arises due to the convergence of longitudes towards the poles. India has a central location between West Asia, Africa, and Europe on one side and Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australia on the other, making it strategically important for trade routes.
Size
The total area of India is approximately 3.28 million square km, accounting for about 2.4% of the world’s total area. India is the seventh-largest country in the world. The land boundary is about 15,200 km, while the total length of the coastline of the mainland, including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep, is 7,516.6 km. The north-south extent provides diverse climatic conditions, while the east-west extent helps in uniform time across the country.
India and Its Neighbours
India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. It shares land borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the northwest, China (Tibet), Nepal, and Bhutan in the north, and Myanmar and Bangladesh in the east. The maritime neighbours are Sri Lanka and the Maldives in the south, separated by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. The Himalayas act as a natural barrier in the north, protecting from cold winds and invasions historically, while the southern peninsular projection into the Indian Ocean has facilitated maritime trade and cultural exchanges.
Characteristics of India’s Location
Here are some of the key characteristics of India’s location mentioned below:
- Lies entirely in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres.
- The Tropic of Cancer passes through the central part, giving tropical and subtropical climates.
- A long coastline provides access to sea routes.
- Trans-Indian Ocean routes connect Europe, West Asia, Africa, with East Asia and Australia.
- The central position between two major regions promotes cultural and economic interactions.
- Southern extension into the ocean moderates the climate and enables sea trade.
Importance of India’s Location
India’s unique geographical location has historical and contemporary significance. The passes in the northwest (like Khyber and Bolan) allowed invasions and migrations, enriching cultural diversity. The peninsular shape and ocean access made India a key player in ancient maritime trade. The northern mountains provide a climatic barrier, while the proximity to the sea influences monsoon patterns. In modern times, it positions India as a bridge between developed and developing nations.
Important Definitions in NCERT Notes Class 11 Geography India Physical Environment Chapter 1: India – Location
Here we have explained the key concepts and terms of this chapter to make it easy for you to understand.
- Latitudinal Extent: From 8°4’N to 37°6’N.
- Longitudinal Extent: From 68°7’E to 97°25’E.
- Tropic of Cancer: 23°30’N, dividing India into tropical and subtropical zones.
- Standard Meridian: 82°30’E, used for Indian Standard Time (IST).
- Land Frontier: 15,200 km shared with seven countries.
- Coastline: 7,516.6 km including islands.
- Palk Strait: A Narrow water body separating India and Sri Lanka.
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FAQs
The mainland of India extends between latitudes 8°4’N and 37°6’N and longitudes 68°7’E and 97°25’E.
The peninsular plateau projects into the Indian Ocean, providing a coastline of over 7,500 km, including islands, facilitating trade and fishing.
Mountain passes allowed cultural exchanges and invasions, while sea routes promoted maritime trade with distant lands.
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